Extra: Concrete pad for motorcycles. Visit online calendar for lots of live music and special events including Christmas in July on Saturday.

By Emeri Krawczyk

Special To The NEws

With a motto like, “Cool drinks, hot days, and even steamier nights!” how could one resist making a trip to Western New York’s premier beach bars?

Sure it’s a bit of a ride for some down the I-90 (or Route 5), but the payoff is worth it. The beautiful sand, sparkling water, gorgeous sunset and complimentary people-watching opportunities are second to none.

Set side-by-side, Cabana Sam’s and Sunset Bay Beach Club offer unique experiences. Head for the water. Sam’s on the right tends toward a more mature crowd. To the left is the youthful Sunset Bay Beach Club. Yet, like the African savannah where the zebra and antelope roam, all ages mingle and mix freely between the two, making for interesting interactions, sights and sounds.

Come sit on the beach or head straight for the patio, it’s all good. We love that one can lather up in sunscreen, sweat in the sun and sand, frolic in the lake and then sit down to eat dinner at Cabana Sam’s without anyone batting an eye.

Drinks made by quick-working bartenders are aplenty. Enjoy Buffalo’s signature beach cocktail, the vodka tea or suck down one of the multiple specialty cocktails, including frozen. Don’t look for draft beer, as draft beer and hot beach don’t mix. However 20 can varieties are more than enough to quench your thirst, including two craft choices.

If you are looking for a more tame experience, Cabana Sam’s offers a full menu and patio dining, along with a cute tiki bar. For a party head to the Beach Club – its Sunday afternoons are legendary. Proceed with caution.

Either way, with the sand in your toes and a daiquiri in hand the world is your oyster at Sunset Bay USA.